PRESS: Arts Group to Breathe New Life Into Abandoned Jackson Heights Cemetery

Locals with ideas for the future of a historic 17th century burial ground can brainstorm while breaking bread at weekend potlucks in August.

The Leverich Cemetery — which dates back to settlers from the 1600s — has been the focus of cleanups by community groups, but now organizations are working toward reclaiming the long-abandoned space for the neighborhood.

“Trying to create alternative spaces for the community is a good opportunity for us as parents, to think in a creative way,” said Carlos Martinez, co-founder of the Híbridos Collective that is running the weekly potlucks, which begin Aug. 1.

The project is partially funded by the Citizens Community for New York City and Queens Council on the Arts and is meant to connect people in Jackson Heights.

Like the locally sourced map they released last week, finding places for neighbors to meet is important to the art collective, Martinez said.

“We’ve already heard ideas about creating a meditation garden, a space for passive recreation, community meetings,” he said.

Other people have suggested creating space for murals and to hang temporary art, all while respecting the historical and sacred nature of the spot.